TADCASTER Albion are making big steps in the right direction in the Evo-Stik League north division following a run of three consecutive wins with no goals conceded – but the Brewers insist they are not getting carried away.

Albion had to hold their defensive composure at times during their most recent league outing, but Aaron Hardy’s first-half penalty proved enough to give them 1-0 victory at Kendal Town and see them jump two places to eighth, ever closer to the play-off places.

Despite the dramatic improvement over last season, Taddy are keeping their feet on the ground ahead of their home clash with 10th-placed Droylsden as they are aware of both the realities of the division and the challenge tomorrow’s visitors will pose.

The Brewers have, however, admitted contentment with how the campaign has panned out so far, with regard to points total and performance.

Jay Taylor, a club spokesman, said: “The pleasing thing about the Kendal game was we ground it out and got the win – that was a game we maybe would have lost last season.

“Second half, we let them back into it, but we kept them out, in part thanks to Michael Ingham in goal who made a couple of outstanding saves. They had some chances as well, so on another day they could have gotten something out of it.

“But it was nice for those fans that travelled to the game, and hopefully we can bring that back home against Droylsden.

“We’ll go into it full of confidence knowing that if results go our way, we could be in the play-off places.

“We’re already only two points off the total tally from last season, and with so many games left to play, it shows how much we’ve come on.

“We want to keep grounded though. Everyone thinks about the play-offs when you win a few games because that puts you up there. But if you lose, it’s the same story.”

Among the team from last Saturday was 18-year-old defender Harry Sheppeard, whose continued impressive run of form since his full debut at South Shields four weeks ago has seen him rewarded with a regular starting berth in the side.

The same goes for the whole squad, Taylor says, with the results earned meriting another run-out for those that perform, speculating that managers Michael Morton and Simon Collins will name an unchanged 11 tomorrow.

Taylor said: “Sheppeard is fitting in really well, especially considering he’s stepped up at that age and level – and he’s kept his place in the team.

“You’d be mad to change a winning team, so I can’t see any changes. The club captain Andy Milne was on the bench for the Kendal game, and even he might not be brought back in.

“Droylsden are a tough side. They were really competitive in the game (that finished 2-2) in September, and they’re gunning for a play-off spot as well.

“They haven’t won this year either, so they’ll be wanting to break that.

“But we’re brimming with confidence while they’re drowned of it.”

Midweek results very much went the way of title-chasers Scarborough Athletic as they won 3-1 at Ramsbottom United while their two nearest league rivals Hyde United and South Shields drew 1-1.

The Seadogs are now second, two points behind leaders Shields. Tomorrow, Boro travel to fourth-placed Bamber Bridge in search of a 10th consecutive league win.